Hi there, Donna!
Welcome to planDisney! You sound like a true-blue Fairy Godmother, I hope you are so excited to bring your family to the resort in May!
Booking
dining reservations for large groups can take a little extra magic, but you're on the right track! I would do exactly what you describe and split your large party into two smaller reservations. You'll need to have another member of your party available to help make reservations since the website won't allow you to hold two dining reservations for the same day and time. Try to keep the arrival time for each reservation as close as possible. Then when you're ready to dine with
Chef Goofy I would plan to arrive at least 20 minutes before your earliest reservation time so that you can check in and ask the Cast Member who is hosting if your group can be seated near each other. There are no guarantees, but they will absolutely do their best to accommodate your group!
I often visit the Disneyland Resort with my extended family and use this same method for our dining reservations. We are usually able to be seated together or very close to each other! One of the other things we love to do as a large group is take a few photos with a
Disney PhotoPass Photographer. It's the perfect way to commemorate your big trip!
Try using this list to find a Disney PhotoPass location that sounds fun for your family or
check out this post from the Disney Parks Blog about tips for taking great photos in the parks! I hope you have a total "ball" at the parks with your family, Donna! May the glass slipper fit and everything be just as you dreamed to midnight and beyond.
Keep moving forward!
Amanda